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Canberra T.4 WJ874 in 2005. It had been painted in 1999 to represent the first prototype VN799, first flown in 1949. | |
Role | Bomber/Reconnaissance |
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National origin | United Kingdom |
Manufacturer | English Electric |
First flight | 13 May 1949 |
Introduction | 25 May 1951 |
Retired | 23 June 2006 (RAF), 11 May 2007 (IAF) |
Status | Retired from service |
Primary users | Royal Air Force |
Number built |
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Developed into | Martin B-57 Canberra |
The Canberra could deploy many conventional weapons; typical weapons used were 250-pound, 500-pound, and 1000-pound bombs, the total bomb load could weigh up to 10,000 lb (4,500 kg).
Two bomb-bays are housed within the fuselage, normally enclosed by conventional clam-shell doors; a rotating door was substituted for these on the Martin-built B-57 Canberras. Additional stores of up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) could be carried upon underwing pylons.
Ceiling
Combat RANGE
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
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Another external issue that affected development was the failure of the Telecommunications Research Establishment to produce the radar bombing system for the aircraft in a timely fashion.
The English Electric Canberra is a bomber aircraft powered by two jet engines,
Upon entering service on 25 May 1951, the English Electric Canberra became the Royal Air Force's first jet-powered bomber. Essentially, the English Electric Canberra is an all-metal, semi-monocoque construction